In the Book of Genesis 6:3, Yahweh, after the fall, allocated 120 years to all mankind because man had also become flesh like some other beings. These beings were the angels that Took them wives (maybe forcefully) of all which they choose. This is the first window.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. (Psalm 90: 12)
In the early 1990’s, I was invited to the birthday of a woman who was turning 50 years. When I was invited to speak, I shared briefly from Psalm 90: 12. I went away from the event knowing deep down that there was much more in this verse waiting to be revealed.
Recently I began to have a fresh understanding of the phrase . . . To number our days.
Back when I first shared the scripture, I had thought it simply means to be circumspect in the way and manner I conduct my affairs to justify the length of my days, so that I can always look back and say, I have been very judicious in the use of my time, talents, opportunities for worthwhile things or things that are eternally rewarding.
However, much more than this, the phrase also means, Teach me to order my days. But for the speakers of the Hebrew language it means much more.
In the entire Scriptures, we all are given 3 to 4 windows to choose how long we desire to live here on earth.
In the Book of Genesis 6:3, Yahweh, after the fall, allocated 120 years to all mankind because man had also become flesh like some other beings. These beings were the angels that Took them wives (maybe forcefully) of all which they choose. This is the first window.
The second window is from Psalm 90 where Moses, the man of God, was praying and gave humanity between 70-80 years to live.
The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away (Psalm 90:10).
The third window is hinged on what the Lord Jesus addressed to Peter the apostle concerning John the Beloved in John 21:22.
Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me.
You can also link this to the teaching of the Lord Jesus in John 6: 50, 51, 58 on the Lord’s Super. Though somewhat veiled the promise is there for those who will catch the revelation and believe it to live or tarry till He comes.
The Pauline Prayer in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 is indicative that it is possible to be made whole spirit, soul and body and preserved till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Church History
Church history is replete with men and women who, out of their devotion and communion with the Lord, have tasted this third window to a degree.
I recently heard of man who has lived up to 250 years and is still living. I listen to a message on YouTube preached by a non-Nigerian – a well known prophetic preacher, suggesting that, based on the scripture in John 21, John the Beloved apostle is still alive and some have had encounters with him.
This is the realm of timelessness that men like Enoch and Elijah entered into. Could it be this realm that John the Revelator referred to as being in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day? Revelation 1:10.
Let me add before I conclude that there is a 4th window.
The Lord Jesus died at the early age of 33 years (even though He resurrected on the third day). This was because He had finished His purpose, and as He said, He willingly lay down His life; nobody could take His life from Him.
Simeon, on the other hand according to this window, was told that he would not see death until he had seen the Messiah (Luke 2: 25-29).
Some are, therefore, called to finish their assignment and return home whether the duration of such assignment be short or long.
Conclusion
The wisdom of knowing and choosing rightly comes from hearing the Lord and living a life of intimacy and communion with the Lord of glory.
Indeed in Matthew 16: 28, the Lord spoke prophetically that some shall not taste death till they see the Son of man coming in His kingdom.
